Top o’ the Mornin’ to Ye

I mentioned here that I’ve started my Christmas knitting, which means that although I constantly have something on the needles, I can’t really blog about it.  However, a couple of weeks ago I started a project that I’m really pleased about and I think it’s going to be really cool when it’s completed.  Here is a preview:

I’ve been wanting to do an Aran-type design for a long time and although I’m not sure where the inspiration for this particular design came from, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try Aran knitting.  Using the Sweater Wizard I designed the bare bones of the project, then I took out my trusty Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns and searched for something I liked.  The front and side patterns came from that book.

The pattern for the back center of this piece came from here.  It is the Wide Multi-Cable.

I’m very pleased with these stitch patterns because the large center cable echoes the pattern on the left and right sides of the piece perfectly.  The mini-cables on the sides work very well for under the arms.

Designing this piece was a bit complicated, but not so much that it was daunting.  Yes, yes, I know math is hard, but even with my meager skills, I was able to do it.  Of course, it’s not done yet!  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to show the finished work until after the gift is given.  Until then…